US, Japan, Philippines trilateral deal to change dynamic in South China Sea, Marcos says
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the significance of a cooperation agreement between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan, stating that it would change the dynamic in the South China Sea and the region. The agreement, following the first trilateral summit between the nations, aimed to deepen economic and security relations without targeting any specific country. Marcos emphasized that the summit's focus was on enhancing cooperation rather than confrontation. The three leaders expressed "serious concerns" about China's "dangerous and aggressive behavior" in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found Beijing's sweeping claims had no legal basis. Philippine and Chinese ships have had a series of run-ins in the past month. Marcos expressed confidence that around $100 billion in possible investment deals over the next five to 10 years from the summit will come into fruition. Marcos also met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who assured him of continued U.S. support.

#SouthChinaSea #Philippines #UnitedStates #Japan #CooperationAgreement #SecurityRelations #China

https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/us-japan-philippines-trilateral-deal-to-change-dynamic-in-south-china-sea-marcos-says/articleshow/109262600.cms